How Did the Israelites End Up in Egypt?
How Did the Israelites End Up in Egypt? Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt, but God raised him to second-in-command. During a famine, Jacob's entire family relocated to Egypt, where they eventually became enslaved for 400 years.
Key verse: Genesis 45:7 (KJV)
Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt, but God raised him to second-in-command. During a famine, Jacob's entire family relocated to Egypt, where they eventually became enslaved for 400 years.
Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt, but God raised him to second-in-command. During a famine, Jacob's entire family relocated to Egypt, where they eventually became enslaved for 400 years.
"God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance." — Genesis 45:7 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
The story begins with Joseph, Jacob's favored son, whose brothers sold him to traders heading to Egypt (Genesis 37:28). Through God's providence, Joseph rose from slave to prisoner to Pharaoh's second-in-command, interpreting dreams and managing Egypt's grain during famine (Genesis 41). When famine struck Canaan, Jacob sent his sons to buy grain. Joseph revealed himself and invited his family: 'God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth' (Genesis 45:7). Jacob's family of 70 settled in Goshen (Genesis 46:27). For generations they prospered, but 'there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph' (Exodus 1:8). This Pharaoh enslaved Israel, fearing their numbers. For 400 years they suffered — fulfilling God's prophecy to Abraham: 'Thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years' (Genesis 15:13). God then raised up Moses for deliverance. The entire narrative demonstrates God's sovereign hand turning human evil into divine purpose.
Key Scripture References
"God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance."
"There arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph."
"Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
How Did the Israelites End Up in Egypt?
Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt, but God raised him to second-in-command. During a famine, Jacob's entire family relocated to Egypt, where they eventually became enslaved for 400 years.
What Was the Exodus?
The Exodus was God's dramatic deliverance of Israel from 400 years of Egyptian slavery — the defining event of the Old Testament and a foreshadowing of salvation in Christ.
What Does the Bible Say About God's Sovereignty?
The Bible teaches that God is supreme over all creation — He ordains, permits, and governs all things according to His perfect will and purpose.
Who Wrote the Bible?
The Bible was written by approximately 40 human authors over 1,500 years, but ultimately inspired by God through the Holy Spirit.
Is the Bible True and Reliable?
Yes — the Bible's historical accuracy, fulfilled prophecy, internal consistency, and transformative power confirm its divine reliability.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Were the Ten Plagues of Egypt?
History & Origins
What Were the Ten Plagues of Egypt?
History & Origins
Who Wrote the Bible?
History & Origins
The Creation
Genesis 1–2 • Origins and Purpose
The Serpent in Eden — Satan in Genesis 3 (KJV)
The serpent in Eden is Satan's first appearance in Scripture — questioning God's
Joseph in Egypt
Genesis 37–50 • sovereignty
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Genesis. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Genesis on day 11 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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